History and family-friendly adventure meet in this capital city

The name of Kansas’ capital city, Topeka, is said to mean “a good place to dig potatoes” in the Kansa-Osage Native American language. The city doesn’t produce many potatoes anymore, but it is home to a diverse selection of attractions, restaurants and events focused on history, art and adventure.

A Place in History

Take a tour of the 1903 Kansas State Capitol building and admire the ornate architecture and murals by noted painter John Steuart Curry. Topeka is known for the U.S. Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education, which helped abolish racial segregation in schools; visit the National Historic Site interactive museum to learn more. Other city tour highlights: the Victorian Charles Curtis House Museum (open by appointment only), Col. John and Mary Richie House (a stop on the Underground Railroad), the Combat Air Museum (which includes a flight simulator), and the Kansas Museum of History, home to an 1880s Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe locomotive.

Traditional to International Fare

Topeka takes pride in the diversity of its dining options,including traditional, exotic, award-winning barbecue and tried-and-true chain establishments. In the mood for fine dining? Savor the prix fixe menu at the RowHouse Restaurant, a renovated row-house from 1876. Or go casual at Blind Tiger, the city’s first microbrewery, known for its flagship beers and char-grilled “tiger” steaks.

Combine the Arts with Adventure

Topeka is a paradise for art lovers. Among must-see places are the Mulvane Art Museum at Washburn University (home to ArtLab, a family-friendly, hands-on art experience); North Topeka Arts District (NOTO), which hosts a bustling Friday Artwalk; and the vibrant community art project known as the Great Mural Wall. For more adventure, check out an event at the multipurpose Kansas Expocentre, or get your blood pumping with an auto race at Heartland Park. Families adore the Topeka Zoo in Gage Park, the historic Yesterdays Motorcycle Museum and the fun-packed TrampoLazerRockBall Park, home to laser tag, trampolines, rock-climbing walls, a zipline, arcade and more.

Fun Fact

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Even though Topeka is a land-locked state, three U.S. Navy vessels have been named after the city.